The Head Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Warden for Little Thetford during the Second World War was Ralph Kisby.
In September 1935, four years before WW2 began, British Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, published a circular entitled Air Raid Precautions (ARP) inviting local authorities to make plans to protect their people in the event of a war. The main job of ARP wardens was to patrol the streets during the blackout and to ensure no light was visible. The ARP Wardens also reported the extent of bomb damage and assess the local need for help from the emergency and rescue services. They were responsible for the handing out of gas masks. There were 1.4 million ARP wardens in Britain, most of who were part time volunteers who had full time day jobs. You could recognise a warden because they wore helmets with a big W on the front.
 Warden's helmet
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Mr Ralph Kisby kept a Wardens Book from 6th June 1940 till 10th May 1943.
They received various Red Warnings in 1941 and 1942 but no major incidents happened till 6th December 1941.
On the 6th and 7th December 1941 the Wardens conducted Operation Scorch simulating events the Parish :-
At 16.00 hours a hostile aeroplane crashed in Reed Fen. The occupants were seen wandering about by the Railway Signal Man at Thetford. Two wardens, Cranwell and Gage, were sent to investigate. They found the pilot and observer, who remained quite until the Home Guard arrived and arrested them.
On the following day 7th December 1941, at 10.30am a shower of Incendiary bombs fell across Thetford Village. The Three Horseshoes Public House was set alight. Following short whistle blasts stirrup pumps and wardens were assembled. Two wardens were detailed to stirrup pumps on blazing roof. All remainder assisted in the rescue person on ground floor and two elderly people in the upstairs front bedroom. The blaze was brought under control after two more stirrup pumps used.
At 11.30 on 7th December 1941 a 500 lb gas bomb was dropped in Thetford School Yard. Several small tear gas bombs were also found. Respirators put on. Gas rattle sounded Village alarm went off. Special police asked to take over road control and erect gas notices. Persons advised to remain in doors.
Various other simulated events took place during period of WW2.
On 1st May 1943 Ralph Kisby made a list Wardens who given CD authority Identity Cards.
Name NR Number
Kisby, Herbert Reginald TDAH 68.1
Gage, Victor Morris TDAH 45.1
Royal, John TDAH 21.3
Cranwell, Basil TDAH 52.3
Royal, Joshua TDAH 21.1
Cox, Albert TDAH 80.1
Kisby, Ralph Edward TDAH 82.1
Taylor, Ernest TDAH 76.1
Adams, Oliver Claude TDAH 3.2
On 1st May 1943 he also made a list of First Aid Personnel who were given CD authority Identity Cards.
Name NR Number
Kisby, Lorna Marguerite TDAH 82/2
Perry, Maud TDAH 9/2
Perry, Herbert Robert TDAH 9/1
Kisby, Agnes Maud TDAH 70/2
Taylor, Gwendolen Mary TDAH 8348/39
Kisby, Dorothy TDAH 68/2
Martin, Ida Margery TDAH 66/2
Newell, Edna Mary TDAH81/3
Gillet, Joan Ruby TDAH 25/3
Adams, Maria TDAH 3/3
Smith, Florence TDAH 1/3
Lythell, Stanley TDAH 5/1
Badcock, Evelyn May TDAH 5/3
Cox, Lillian Louisa TDAH 80/2
Muncey, Ivy Peace TDAH 2/2
The gas masks were reported on regularly. 250 were issued.
 Village photograph 1939, with older Children carrying gas masks
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 The Three Horseshoes Public House was a popular destination for airmen from Witchford Aerodrome
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Sitting at the front Harry Markham. Sitting behind from left to right airman, airman, Edna Markham, airman, Sharne (from Witchford), Jack Royal. Standing left to right Mrs Markham, Airman, Mrs Liz Presnell, Airman, Violet Markham, airman, unknown, Mrs Ginny Royal, airman, Rose Royal, airman.
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